You’ve probably seen the balcony shots. Every year at Trooping the Colour, the Buckingham Palace balcony gets crowded with faces that range from globally famous to "who is that again?" Somewhere in the mix of the House of Windsor’s extended family is a young man named Xan Windsor Lord Culloden. He isn’t a working royal. He doesn't have a verified Instagram with millions of followers. Honestly, he’s one of the most private members of the entire British Royal Family tree, which is exactly why people keep Googling him.
He’s the heir to a historic title.
Born on March 12, 2007, Xan Richard Anders Windsor officially uses the courtesy title Lord Culloden. If that name sounds a bit "Outlander" to you, there’s a reason—it’s tied to the Scottish heritage of his family’s peerage. He is the only son of Alexander Windsor, Earl of Ulster, and Claire Booth. This makes him the grandson of the Duke of Gloucester, who is a first cousin to the late Queen Elizabeth II.
Basically, he’s part of the "Gloucester" branch of the family. They are the cousins who show up for the big state events but spend the rest of their time living remarkably normal, professional lives. While Prince Harry or Prince William grew up under a microscope, Xan has managed to navigate his teenage years almost entirely out of the tabloid cycle.
The Line of Succession and the Gloucester Legacy
Wait, where does he actually fall in the line of succession? It's pretty far down. As of early 2026, he sits somewhere in the late 30s. He’s not going to be King. Ever. But that doesn’t mean his role is irrelevant. In the world of the British aristocracy, titles and land still carry immense weight.
Xan is the heir apparent to the Earldom of Ulster. Eventually, he is slated to become the Duke of Gloucester. That’s a massive deal. The current Duke, Prince Richard, has spent decades supporting the Crown through hundreds of charities. Xan’s father, the Earl of Ulster, had a notable military career with the King's Royal Hussars and later moved into the private sector.
This family trajectory matters.
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It tells us that Xan Windsor Lord Culloden is being raised in a tradition of "service-adjacent" royalty. He won't be funded by the Sovereign Grant. He has to get a job. Most members of this branch of the family become architects, consultants, or military officers. They bridge the gap between the medieval pageantry of the UK and the reality of a 9-to-5.
Life at Barnwell and Beyond
Growing up, Xan’s life has been shielded. His parents, Alexander and Claire (a physician), have been incredibly disciplined about keeping their children—Xan and his sister, Lady Cosima Windsor—away from the paparazzi. You won’t find him stumbling out of a London nightclub at 2 AM.
Instead, his appearances are strictly ceremonial.
- Royal Weddings: He was spotted as a young boy at the wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton.
- The Funeral of Queen Elizabeth II: He walked in the processions, representing the younger generation of the extended family.
- Coronation of King Charles III: He was there, seated with the wider family, witnessing history.
Seeing him at these events is like watching a time-lapse. One year he's a toddler in a smart coat, the next he's a tall, lanky teenager who looks remarkably like his father.
Why We Don't Know Much (And Why That's Good)
Privacy is a luxury. For Xan Windsor Lord Culloden, it’s a deliberate choice by his parents. In an era where every "royal-adjacent" person is trying to launch a lifestyle brand or a podcast, the Gloucesters have remained famously quiet.
Claire Booth, Xan's mother, is a distinguished academic and doctor. She didn't marry into the family to become a celebrity; she married a man who happened to have a title. This influence is clear in how Xan is being handled. He’s been educated at top-tier schools, likely following the path of Eton or similar institutions that provide a "buffer" for royal kids.
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Is he on TikTok? Maybe. But if he is, it's under a pseudonym.
There's a specific kind of dignity in this branch of the Windsors. They represent the "old guard" approach to royalty: show up, do your bit, don't complain, and keep your private life private. It’s a stark contrast to the Sussexes or even some of the younger Yorks.
The Culloden Title Explained
Let's nerd out on the history for a second. The title "Lord Culloden" is a courtesy title. It’s used by the eldest son of the Earl of Ulster. The name comes from the Battle of Culloden, though the title itself was created much later as part of the Peerage of the United Kingdom.
When his grandfather passes away, Xan’s father will become the Duke of Gloucester. At that point, Xan will step up and become the Earl of Ulster. It’s a ladder. Each step brings him closer to the head of one of the most respected ducal houses in Britain.
The Duke of Gloucester currently lives at Kensington Palace (specifically Apartment 1), which means Xan has grown up literally next door to the future King. They aren't just distant names on a chart; they are family members who share a courtyard.
What's Next for the Future Duke?
As Xan enters his late teens and early twenties, the "cloaking device" will inevitably thin out. We will likely see him at more formal events. There might be a military stint, as that’s the family tradition. Or perhaps he’ll follow his mother’s side into a specialized professional field.
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The most fascinating thing about Xan Windsor Lord Culloden is the choice he represents. In 2026, being a "minor royal" is a weird gig. You have the name, but you don't have the "working" status. You have the history, but you need a paycheck.
He is part of a generation that will redefine what it means to be a Windsor in a post-Elizabethan era.
Actionable Takeaways for Royal Watchers
If you're following the trajectory of the younger royals, there are a few things to keep in mind regarding Xan and his peers:
- Watch the Court Circular: This is the only place you'll see official mentions of the Gloucesters. It's the "official diary" of the monarchy.
- Look for the "Inner Circle" Events: Weddings and funerals are the only times the broader family appears together. This is where you can gauge the standing and involvement of the younger generation.
- Expect a Professional Path: Don't expect Xan to become a full-time royal. King Charles's "slimmed-down monarchy" means there is no room for cousins on the payroll. Xan will likely have a career in finance, the arts, or the military.
- Understand the Title Transition: Remember that "Lord Culloden" is temporary. His identity is tied to a succession plan that spans generations.
Xan Windsor Lord Culloden remains a bit of a mystery, and honestly, that’s probably the greatest gift his parents ever gave him. In a world where everyone is overexposed, the heir to the Gloucester dukedom is a reminder that you can be royal and still be yourself.
Keep an eye on the major state ceremonies over the next few years. As King Charles continues to lean on his cousins for support, the younger Gloucesters might just find themselves moving from the back of the balcony to the front.
Next Steps for Researching the Windsor Family Tree
- Consult the Peerage: For the most accurate genealogical data, websites like The Peerage or Burke's Peerage provide the exact lineage of the Gloucester branch.
- Follow Official Royal Channels: The @RoyalFamily social media accounts occasionally highlight the work of the Duke of Gloucester, which provides context for the world Xan will eventually lead.
- Review Historic Peerage Laws: If you're interested in how Xan's title works, look into the "Courtesy Titles" system in the UK, which explains why he is a "Lord" despite not being a peer himself yet.